Sausage Scenarios

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. (Bear with me on the analogy!) A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitelyContinue reading “Sausage Scenarios”

Beyond Hope?

“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel (aka Jacob) said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.”  Genesis 48:11 BSB Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Romans 4:18a BSB The situation looks hopeless. Feels hopeless. By all accounts, is hopeless. Have such thoughts ever gripped yourContinue reading “Beyond Hope?”

Offering God “Advice”

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” …. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others;Continue reading “Offering God “Advice””

Because You Prayed

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Because you have prayed to Me …” The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Isaiah 37:21a NASB     James 5:16a NASB In the middle of the crisis, it just didn’t occur to me. Busily making decisions and finding solutions as I dealt with the realityContinue reading “Because You Prayed”

Crisis Management

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him. Psalm 34:4,6a NKJV The thought for the following devotional came to my mind while in deep thought during my commute home from work. Mentally rehearsing a conversation in which aContinue reading “Crisis Management”

Wrapped in a Bow

(An Easter devo) God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB 1995 To give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they mightContinue reading “Wrapped in a Bow”

Even if He Doesn’t

We had hoped He was The One… Luke 24:21 Lord, if You had been here…. John 11:21 Even if He doesn’t… Daniel 3:18 NLT And we know that God causes all things to work together for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28 Becky’s version Though the following story occurred several years ago, the emotionContinue reading “Even if He Doesn’t”

Insufficient Funds

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day …” “…to give His life a ransom for many.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NASB   Mark 10:45 It feels like only yesterday when I walked intoContinue reading “Insufficient Funds”

Prison Doors and Prison Walls

Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name. –Psalm 142:7b NKJV In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free. – Psalm 118:5 BSB It’s a routine, yet bursting with meaning, procedure. Grasping the thick handle, we open the heavier-than-it-appears door, walk to the counterContinue reading “Prison Doors and Prison Walls”